The 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), organized by the American nonprofit organization, the Society for Science, announced the list of 300 scholars selected on January 8. This competition, the most prestigious high school science and math competition in the United States with a long history, attracted nearly 2,500 participants from 48 states, the District of Columbia, as well as 14 countries, all vying for the highest honor.
Among the 300 selected high school students, over one-third are of Chinese descent, including four students from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. New York State also had 38 Chinese-American high school students selected this time. Each selected scholar will receive a $2,000 prize and will bring an additional $2,000 reward to their respective high schools.
This year, in the semi-finalists round, Bronx High School of Science had the most Chinese-American students among the winners, with up to 5 students selected. Stuyvesant High School and Herricks High School had 3 Chinese-American students each selected, while Smithtown High School East, Ward Melville High School, Syosset High School, and William A. Shine Great Neck South High School had 2 Chinese-American students each selected.
Internationalization and diversification of the competition platform are key factors in the selection of scholars this year, considering their research topic choices, leadership abilities, community involvement, academic performance, and the writing of original independent research reports. The research submitted covers 20 major fields such as healthcare, computer science, and social sciences, demonstrating the spirit of the new generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) talents who apply creative thinking and strive for breakthroughs.
Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science, expressed, “We received a record number of applications this year and congratulate the 300 selected scholars… We are deeply inspired by their intelligence, diligence, and passion for STEM.”
Christina Chan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Regeneron, also stated that Regeneron’s long-term partnership with the Society for Science aims to provide a higher stage for these future scientific leaders. “We look forward to their research results bringing more solutions to global challenges and improving the world.”
In the upcoming stages, on January 23, the Regeneron Science Talent Search will select 40 finalists from these 300 scholars. These finalists will participate in a week-long competition in Washington, D.C. from March 6 to 12, competing for over $1.8 million in prizes. An open exhibition will be held on March 9, with the award winners officially announced on March 11.